About Careertakes

👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Scientific & QA.

Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.

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Overview

Confidential Client is hiring a Lab Research Assistant I to support infectious-diseases research at their Chicago, IL site. This full-time, entry-level laboratory role focuses on specimen processing, basic microbiology (bacterial and fungal cultivation), phenotypic and molecular testing support, and general lab maintenance. Schedule is standard daytime hours (approximately 8:00 AM–5:00 PM; total FTE between 0.9 and 1.0).

• Pay range: $18.87 - $26.66 per hour (range reflects anticipated pay; final offers will depend on experience, education, and internal equity).
• Location: Chicago, IL
• Employment type: Full-time

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What You’ll Do

• Perform routine laboratory support tasks under direct supervision (pipetting, weighing, centrifugation).
• Process and log biological specimens according to protocols (labeling, storage, chain-of-custody).
• Assist with bacterial and fungal cultivation and basic phenotypic/molecular testing workflows.
• Prepare solutions, buffers, and basic reagents following written instructions.
• Operate standard lab equipment (balances, microscopes, water baths, autoclave) after training and document usage.
• Clean, restock, and maintain workstations and shared tools to prevent contamination.
• Accurately record procedures, observations, and basic results in lab notebooks or electronic systems.
• Assist with receiving shipments, inventory updates, and basic supply management.
• Attend lab meetings, shadow senior staff, ask clarifying questions, and follow feedback to grow technical skills.

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Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree OR equivalent (see alternative experience).
• Minimum 1 year of laboratory experience — OR 2 years of lab experience in lieu of a degree.
• Familiarity with standard lab instruments and basic experimental technique.
• Good laboratory practice, attention to detail, and accuracy in routine tasks.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Basic analytic skills and willingness to follow standard operating procedures.

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Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in an academic, healthcare, or research laboratory environment.
• Experience with specimen handling, microbiology culture techniques, or molecular lab support.

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Physical Demands & Working Conditions

• Requires fine motor skills for pipetting and microscopy and proper donning/doffing of PPE.
• Frequent standing or walking during laboratory work; may occasionally lift/carry items up to ~25 lbs.
• Work involves handling chemicals, biological specimens, and laboratory equipment; must follow safety procedures.
• Good vision and manual dexterity required for accurate data entry and instrument handling.

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Why Join

• Gain foundational skills in infectious-disease and microbial research within a funded research program.
• Work with experienced researchers and develop laboratory techniques that support career growth.
• Competitive hourly pay range for an entry-level research position and access to benefits through Confidential Client.

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Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency

Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.

If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.